Aug. 9, 2021 – The photo of the spiky COVID-19 virus has been shown millions of times since the pandemic began in the United States in winter/spring 2020. The news that COVID-19 proteins on the spikes are mutating (the Delta variant) is not what people want to hear. The Delta variant is a COVID-19 virus that has mutated, meaning its proteins have changed. Scientists are scrambling to learn more about the variant. right now, the vaccine appears to cover the Delta variant.

The implication of the change is still being determined but currently, the Delta variant is the most common COVID strain being isolated from cases in the United States. Scientists are working around the clock to understand the Delta variant. Will people who have received two shots of COVID-19 vaccine be protected against the Delta variant? That is the main question that scientists are seeking to answer very quickly. There have already been “breakthrough COVID cases” meaning people who have been vaccinated are getting sick and testing positive for the virus. But there is a ray of hope. As is true with the influenza vaccine, having the vaccine prevents more serious illness and death in many people.

Infections are always a battle between the microbe, in this case the COVID virus, and the host (patient). If a patient is healthy, he or she will fight the virus effectively. But having other medical conditions makes it more difficult to mount a defense against the virus.

CDC Update

Since the pandemic began, a total of 35,665,887 cases have been reported in the United States as of Aug. 9, 2021. And a total of 614,291 deaths have been reported.

In late June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the average number of reported cases for a seven-day period was 12,000. On July 27, the seven-day average reached more than 60,000. In a report updated on Aug. 6, 2021, the CDC also reported an alarming rise in COVID hospitalization rates around the country.

In addition, the CDC reported that the Delta variant was more infectious and more easily transmitted than the original COVID-19 virus (the Alpha virus), even in people who have been vaccinated.  

Summary

1. The Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than early forms of COVID-19.
2. The Delta variant is more contagious than previous strains – it may cause more than two times as many infections.
3. Of greatest concern right now are people who are not vaccinated (unvaccinated).
4. People who have been vaccinated but get sick with COVID tend to have the same amount of virus particles as unvaccinated people. That is unusual because other vaccines tend to reduce the numbers of viruses in people who have been vaccinated. But the number of COVID viruses decreases faster in vaccinated people so that is one piece of good news.

CDC Recommendations (latest update as of Aug. 6, 2021)
1. Fully vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
2. Fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.
3. Fully vaccinated people who have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
4. Universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status is recommended.

The CDC is still tracking level of transmission by county. To learn the level of virus in your area, refer to the link to the right.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. When did the COVID pandemic begin in the United States?

2. What is the COVID Delta variant?

3. Is the Delta variant more or less contagious than the original COVID virus?

INQUIRY QUESTIONS

1. What is the advantage of getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

2. What are current CDC recommendations for people who are vaccinated?

3. What might happen in the future with the COVID-19 virus based on what is happening now?